Reading Lara (#3)

Chapter 3

Alpha Maddox's face is full of relief that I opened the door, but I see pain there as well. The way it lurks in his eyes makes my heart hurt.

"Lara," he breathes. Then, I'm being cradled in his big arms. I grip his back and hips tightly in my hands as I feel the tears start again.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you," Maddox says against the top of my head where he places a kiss. A broken sob escapes me, making him hold me tighter.

If that's possible.

He pulls away suddenly, only to grasp my hips and bring me towards him again. He grasps my head in his hands. My eyes shift to his own blue orbs.

I sigh. "Are you okay?" He asks.

"Yeah. I've just never witnessed anything like that before," I admit.

"I'm sorry. I lost control of my wolf when I heard you had seen and been over to your ex's. My wolf and I don't care for the thought of a man hurting you as he did," he explains.

"I understand. I know Leo is the same way with my sister, Zara."

He nods. Just as he's about to speak, his phone rings. He groans, making me giggle before he answers it. Whoever is on the other line obviously needs him for something because his eyes turn cold.

He hangs up the phone a moment later.

He looks at me as he declares, "I have to go. Business meeting tonight."

I nod in acknowledgment. "I'll walk you out."

Maddox grabs my hands when we're close to the door, running his thumb along my knuckles. At the door, he leaves kisses along my forehead before exiting the house. Just as I'm about to turn away from the front door, I hear, "Lara, wait."

I turn around and step out onto the porch. "Yeah?"

"Would you go out to dinner with me tomorrow night?" He asks, his demeanor...I don't know, hesitant?

I look down at my feet. "Uhm...sure. I don't have any plans." I never do.

His face breaks into a heartwarming smile, showing a dimple on the right side of his face. "Okay, babe. I'll be here at seven thirty. Is that good for you?" He asks.

I nod. "Yes. I get off work at six so, that's perfect."

"See you tomorrow," he calls as he walks down the road.

When I've entered the house, I let my feelings unleash. I squeal loudly as I hear my phone ring in the distance. I ignore it. Whomever it is can leave a message.

After I quiet down, I venture to my bedroom and slip into bed. My phone has a bunch of texts from both Zara and Leo. I click on my voicemails. One in particular ruins my mood.

I hit play and Marcus' recording begins. "Lara, it's Marcus. I didn't know if you deleted my number or not." He sighs. "I just want to say how sorry I am. I know I hurt you and I don't know what to do about that. I think we should talk. I want to start over, Lara. I miss you."